Healthy Eating at Holiday Parties

It’s that time. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas there are holiday parties everywhere you look. Whether it’s an office party, a get together with friends, or the holiday party at your child’s school, they are everywhere. And the one thing these parties typically have in common: food! Unfortunately, healthy food isn’t quite as big of a hit at these parties so sticking with a healthy eating plan becomes tricky. The key is to have a good time without negating that progress you make every other day of the week.

There are a few things you can do to make the damage minimal at these holiday parties. While it is somewhat unreasonable to ask you to not eat anything off your diet, it’s not out of line to tell you not to completely blow it either. It’s all about balance when it comes to healthy eating at a holiday party.

Here are some tips to keep your healthy eating in check:

1. Eat before you go. Eat something healthy before you leave the house. Showing up to a holiday party famished is a surefire way of doing some damage. Instead, have a bowl of vegetable soup or even a full meal beforehand. Having something on your stomach will make it easier to just say no!

2. Make one trip. Typically snacks are laid out on a table for everyone to munch at these sort of events. Fill up a plate knowing it will be your only. Allow yourself a few treats on there so you don’t feel deprived but don’t return to the snack table afterwards.

3. Bring a healthy option. If you are friends with the hostess ask if you can bring a tray to add to the collection. They’ll think you’re merely helping out but this is one way to ensure there’s at least one healthy eating option. Crudités or grilled chicken appetizers are both great options here.

4. Watch the liquid calories. Holiday parties are as known for their liquid treats as they are for the food. Choose beverages made with limited sugar and steer clear of things like beer or champagne. Allow yourself a glass or two of wine and then stop. It’s much easier to throw drinks back in a social setting, so beware of this sneaky diet disaster.

Holiday parties don’t have to be a drag for people watching what they eat. Healthy eating can fairly easily be incorporated without an accompanying sense of deprivation. Celebrate, have a few treats, and then get right back to business the next day!